Community Profile

The City of Bridgeport is located in the heart of the I-79 corridor in North Central West Virginia and along Rt. 50 which stretches across the state from east to west.

In the last six years, more than $1 billion has been spent in development between United Hospital Center, the FBI, White Oaks and Charles Pointe.

Climate

Centrally located in West Virginia, Bridgeport enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The central location provides excellent access to other West Virginia features. There is excellent outdoor recreation right here in Bridgeport, but the mountains are a short distance from Bridgeport for those who enjoy a weekend getaway. The average precipitation for the area is 45.9 inches.

Month	Average High	Average Low	Average Precipitation
January	40°F	22°F	3.46”
February	43°F	25°F	3.15”
March	52°F	32°F	4.02”
April	65°F	40°F	3.58”
May	73°F	50°F	4.41”
June	80°F	58°F	4.37”
July	83°F	62°F	5.67”
August	83°F	61°F	3.66”
September	76°F	53°F	3.46”
October	65°F	42°F	3.19”
November	54°F	34°F	3.82”
December	43°F	26°F	3.11”

^{Source: U.S. Climate Data}

Demographics

In the 2020 census, Bridgeport's population was measured at 9,336 people with 3,458 households; a growth rate of 12.8% since the 2010 census.

The median age in Bridgeport is 43.9 years. More than 49% of the population in Bridgeport has a Bachelor's Degree or Higher, a figure greater than both the national and state averages.

Education

The superior education system in Bridgeport is consistently listed in the top ten in West Virginia. The insistence of high quality education shows early on. There are four public schools (Simpson Elementary, Johnson Elementary, Bridgeport Middle School, and Bridgeport High School) in Bridgeport and one private school (Heritage Christian School). The student to teacher ratio in Bridgeport for public schools is 17:1, which is 17.6% greater than the West Virginia student to teacher ratio. Bridgeport also has two post-secondary schools (West Virginia Junior College and Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center).

Simpson Elementary School has over 450 students enrolled in grades Pre-K through 5th with 55 staff members. The newest addition houses ten classrooms and a new office complex. Simpson Elementary was named a 2011 Exemplary School.

Johnson Elementary School has over 700 students enrolled in grades Pre-K-5th with 80 staff members. In 2019, the new Johnson Elementary opened. The new facility is 65,000 square feet and encompasses two stories. The building is situated on the existing Johnson Elementary School campus and includes a gymnasium, full cafeteria, as well as other amenities. It was named a 2011 Exemplary School.

Bridgeport Middle School has an enrollment of over 600 students. The facility, completed in 1995, houses grades 6-8 and follows the middle school concept. Each grade level has a designated pod of classrooms, computer lab, and a team of teachers. A technology-rich environment, Bridgeport Middle offers students access to computers in all classrooms as well as eight computer labs, which are maintained by an on-site technology coordinator. The library / media center is under the supervision of a full-time library / media specialist.

Bridgeport High School is home to 750 students in grades 9-12 and 72 staff members. One of six Harrison County schools, BHS has been a leader in academics, athletics and the arts in the county and statewide. BHS has been a National Blue Ribbon School since 2001. BHS has also been named a WV Exemplary School every year since the program began in 2001.

Health Care

In 2010, the new United Hospital Center (UHC) opened in Bridgeport off 1-79 at Exit 124/Jerry Dove Drive and has 681,440 square feet within its eight levels.

The new UHC is designed around the environment with the patient, family, staff and community in mind; enhanced patient privacy; a high level of technology integration, and improved access.

In 2014, the Bruce Carter United Orthopedic and Spine Center opened on the UHC Campus and is considering a $2 million expansion. The current facility is 57,000 square feet and is the largest Orthopedic and Spine Center in the state of West Virginia.

With three Urgent Care Centers and one hospital located within the City, comprehensive quality healthcare is at your fingertips.

Public Safety

The City of Bridgeport has an effective Police Department, a quick response Fire Department, including well-trained EMT / Paramedic staff, and a valuable Emergency Services Department. These individuals work 24/7 to keep a watchful eye on our community. They are committed to compassion, service and prevention.

Recreation

Creating Community through People, Parks and Programs

The City's Parks & Recreation Department provides many benefits for this community. Bridgeport's parks provide a place for citizens to gather for festivals, as well as public and private events. The Department, along with numerous City Departments, hosts a variety of citywide events that bring our community together.

Parks sports complexes draw tourism dollars for the community, as they generate overnight stays, as well as patronage for restaurants, retail stores, gas stations, etc. Festivals and Special Events also draw visitors from around the region and the state that patronize Bridgeport businesses.

Parks & Recreation provides fitness classes, sports programs, and recreation activities to get people moving and improving their health and fitness. It also provides facilities for citizens to be active on their own, such as parks, trails, pools and the civic center.

Thirty different programs are offered throughout the year with 20 additional organizations utilizing our facilities and staff. These programs and classes help citizens learn something new, explore their artistic talents, or improve their abilities in a variety of activities.

Bridgeport Parks & Recreation department consists of numerous Parks & Recreation facilities. Your parks are more than just swing sets and slides; there are trails, picnic shelters, ball fields (used by baseball, softball, football, soccer, and flag football), two lakes, lighted basketball and tennis courts, swimming pool with a sprayground, and much more!

The City of Bridgeport is also in the process of conducting feasibility studies for a Multi-Sport, Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Facility.